A little bit of Superstition….

It was almost 85 miles from my drive-way in the far northwest valley to the trailhead in the extreme southeast valley, just across the county line, just beyond Apache Junction, just past Gold Canyon…and well worth the drive.

Seven hours on and off the trail, almost 300 photos later…an overcast day with the sun barely peeking out from behind the clouds for an hour, and then retreating back behind them….

While I was hiking in near solitude on the way out…it was like fighting an infestation of lice or mites on the second half of the return trip…walking people, talking people, loud people, colorful people, children people, slow people, dogs with people…and people people….

But before the people…the views…the cool morning air…the rocks and greening desert…and the slight murmuring and chuckling of a diminishing canyon stream….

Lovely photos! I understand your annoyance with too many people – the silence of open spaces is what I enjoy. Listening to radios, people, yacking, etc., in a place where birds are singing is sooooooo frustrating!

I actually told some young, nice kids (late teens?) that the outdoors was not the place to listen to NPR at top volume and that I could hear them a block away. They turned it down. Later, I ran into them again, told them “Thanks” and laughed when they said, “We thought you were going to yell at us again.” “Nah, I just wanted to listen to the birds,” was my reply. “I listen to NPR in the car.”

A long drive, but I’m glad you did it. What a contrast, out in silence and back in anything but…I bet you were glad you got there as early as you did! I love your description of the canyon stream, and the images make it plain to see why you’ll return….it was good meeting you, and thank you again for the support. It was a terrible thing that happened, but I have to say, Phoenix was very good to me – so many people were friendly and generous and lifted my spirits. I was actually sad to leave in some odd way, but of course, glad to be home.
So please get back to the Superstitions soon, and take more pictures of those rocks – what gorgeous curves and folds they have! Be well!

I’m glad I made the drive, as well, Lynn…not my preference, but there it is anyway…and yes, the damn people. I always go early so that I can be nearly guaranteed of a few hours of true quiet on the trails.

It was very nice to meet you, too, Lynn…and you are most welcome for the support. I’m glad Phoenix was good to you, as well, given the circumstances.

I shall get back out there again soon, in the Superstitions…have already been contemplating where to go next.

Scott, I loved this series and I’m intrigued by the Superstition Mountains. I’m sure there are a lot of great myths and folklore that originate from these mysterious rock formations. Thanks for sharing your hike. Looking forward to more 🙂

What an amazing place you’ve discovered. Somehow your sets of receding ridges made me think of my Pacific waves, especially in that second to last shot. Looking forward to seeing more of this nice spot. Hopefully you won’t need to head out at midnight to catch this hike before all the people! They just seem to be EVERYWHERE! Eh?

Yes, that is certainly and amazing place, Gunta…and yes, too…those ridges seem very much like ocean waves. I’ll have some more images in the later posts that are very strikingly wave-like. I think sunrise was good enough to beat most of the people at the beginning…it’s the return trip that is always so full of them….EVERYwhere….!